Friends and passionate mountaineers from the city,Rajeev Saumitra and Ameet Singh,who have scaled challenging peaks across the world,including Europes highest peak Mount Elbrus (5642 meters) this August,are keen to promote mountaineering as a hobby among people of all age-groups in the region. With this aim,the duo shared their experiences at an event in the city recently.

We will be focusing on promoting mountaineering not just as a preferred hobby,but also help in raising awareness and organising adventures, said Singh. It is one of the oldest adventure sports in the world that has now started gaining immense popularity amongst Indians,especially those like us who want to get away from the high-stress,capital-intensive ecosystems in which we live. Its a great way to rediscover not just oneself but also connect with nature, added Saumitra.

Both feel mountaineering as a sport can immensely help children evolve into healthier human beings. It is an expensive adventure sport,that,unlike in other countries,gets little or no aid from the government or any other quarter. It is our endeavour to dedicatedly work towards changing this equation, said Singh.

While he has led Indias first successful expedition to Mount Ama Dablam (6856 metres) in eastern Nepal,Saumitra has climbed both Mount Elbrus and Mount Everest. The two are now looking to start an NGO that would encourage,support,guide and work with mountaineering enthusiasts.